In this episode, Pastor Ben Smith explores the story of Cain’s descendants and reveals how it’s possible to achieve success, build a legacy, and experience prosperity—yet remain entirely outside the presence and blessing of God. Genesis 4:17–24 presents a striking contrast between remarkable human advancement and deep spiritual emptiness, showing how worldly accomplishments can distract us from what truly matters.

Pastor Ben highlights two major warnings from the passage:
• The Busyness of Building for Nothing — how investing in things that cannot last leaves us empty.
• Foolish Confidence — how prosperity without God leads to pride, moral compromise, and a false sense of security.

This message challenges listeners to consider where their confidence, priorities, and pursuits truly lie. Are we chasing achievements that won’t endure, or seeking the lasting joy found only in a right relationship with God? Through the example of Cain’s line and the transformation of Zacchaeus, this episode reminds us that authentic purpose comes not from what we build, but from whom we belong to.

Listen and be encouraged to pursue what endures—and to guard your heart from the distractions of purposeless prosperity.

Key Scripture: Genesis 4:17-24

Speaker: Pastor Ben Smith
Series: Genesis
Format: Expository Sermon

Find Out More:

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.

You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org.

This sermon was originally preached on 11/16/2025.